March 24, 2017, MichiganVotes weekly roll call report

Senate Bill 223, Create process for disclosing police firing to other agencies: Passed 37 to 0 in the Senate

To establish a process and liability exemption for a police agency disclosing information to another agency about a former officer who may have been fired. A separating officer could review the official record and make his written explanation a permanent part of it. Police job applicants would have to give prospective employers a waiver allowing them to get the separation records, and the former employer would be immune from liability for revealing this.

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Senate Bill 202, Exempt no-cash social media games from gambling ban: Passed 35 to 3 in the Senate

To establish that the state’s laws against gambling do not apply to a “social media internet game” that rewards players with either a free play or an extended period of playing time as a result of chance or uncertain event. The bill excludes “fantasy sports” games from its provisions.

To revise many details and procedures in the state’s concealed pistol license law. Among other changes, if a license is denied based on one of the disqualifications specified in the law, the disqualification must appear in the State Police background check all applicants must undergo. The bill also repeals a state permit requirement to own an armored vehicle (one with guns would be subject to many other restrictions though).

House Bill 4219, Revise human trafficking deferral detail: Passed 108 to 0 in the House

To give state and local government agencies the power to enter joint operating arrangements with a particular developer to build a hospital or transportation facilities. The private operator would benefit from tax exemptions and its governmental partner's power to impose property taxes, borrow, take private property using eminent domain and more. The government agency involved could choose the private sector actor without necessarily having to accept the lowest bid. The projects could be proposals from a private developer.

SOURCE: MichiganVotes.org, a free, nonpartisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, nonpartisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Please visit http://www.MichiganVotes.org.

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